White Noise Machine - Use

Use

White noise devices are available from numerous manufacturers in many forms, for a variety of different uses, including audio testing equipment, sound masking products, sleep-aid devices, and power-nap machines. Sleep-aid and nap-machine products may also produce other soothing sounds, such as music, rain, wind, highway traffic and ocean waves mixed with—or modulated by—white noise. White noise generators are often used by sufferers of tinnitus to mask their symptoms.

Sound-masking devices are often used to protect privacy by masking distant conversations, for example, in a psychiatrist's waiting room. Studies have shown that sound masking can contribute to acoustic satisfaction in open-plan offices, although the level and spectral properties of masking sounds should be selected so that the overall acoustic environment is neither too loud nor too hissy, while still masking annoying speech sounds.

The sounds generated by digital machines are not always truly random. Rather, they are short pre-recorded audio-tracks which continuously repeat at the end of the track.

Manufacturers of sound-masking devices recommend that the volume of white noise machines be initially set at a comfortable level, even if it does not provide the desired level of privacy. As the ear becomes accustomed to the new sound and learns to tune it out, the volume can be gradually increased to increase privacy.

Manufacturers of sleeping aids and power-napping devices recommend that the volume level be set slightly louder than normal music listening level, but always within a comfortable listening range.